The Durbanites trailed 20-10 at halftime in what was their last home game of the regular season fixtures list.

The Kiwis scored three tries, two conversions and three penalty goals, while the home team replied with two tries, two conversions and a penalty goal.

The ‘Canes made a bright start and managed to score two converted first half tries, by Jordie Barrett (fullback) and Ngani Laumape (inside centre), while Beauden Barrett (flyhalf) added two penalty goals to give them the lead at the break. 

Cell C Sharks fullback Aphelele Fassi scored the home team’s only try, on the stroke of halftime, which was converted by Curwin Bosch (flyhalf), who also succeeded with a penalty goal.

The Cell C Sharks’ replacement prop Juan Schoeman gave them a great start to the second half when he scooped up the ball from a ruck following a strong run by Louis Schreuder, to score their second converted try of the afternoon, which brought the home team to within three points of the Hurricanes (20-17). 

But that was the closest the Cell C Sharks came to taking the lead and when Barrett added another penalty goal, and Wes Goosen (right wing) scored a well-executed try, the ‘Canes took the game away from the home side.

While the Hurricanes defended well and were clinical whenever they created scoring opportunities, the Cell C Sharks unfortunately let themselves down by committing several unforced errors. They also failed to capitalise on a numerical advantage on the field after Hurricanes flank Vaea Fifita was shown a red card five minutes from the end for a dangerous tackle.

The Cell C Sharks face the Jaguares in Buenos Aires next Saturday and then conclude their regulation fixtures two weeks later against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town.

Scorers

Cell C Sharks 17 (10) – Tries: Aphelele Fassi, Juan Schoeman. Conversions: Curwin Bosch (2). Penalty goal: Bosch.

Hurricanes 30 (20)  – Tries: Jordie Barrett, Ngani Laumape, Wes Goosen. Conversions: Beauden Barrett (3). Penalty goals: Barrett (3).